I have worked in the tourism industry, on a commission-only basis, in New Orleans, for over 35 years. I was a single mom and raised my son by myself, which was not always easy, but I earned a decent living through the years in this industry. Since COVID, our part of the job has suffered tremendously, with more online bookings, as opposed to the one-on-one services which is what I offered. The location I worked at for the last 10 years has shut down due to the lease amount being as much as the business was taking in. So with no notice, I showed up to work one day and was locked out. Due to medical issues through the years (getting older sucks when your body doesn't work like it used to), I was only able to work part-time just to try to pay my basic bills. I have been waiting for disability to come through for over a year and a half. They are saying it could be another 3 months for a decision to be made. I was denied once and now we are on appeal.

I will go into my medical issues. I have bursitis and tendonitis in my lower left back and upper left leg by my left hip. I am in severe pain every day. The hip gives out sometimes and I fall when I overdo things (simply standing too long). I also have tendonitis and arthritis in my knees. Sometimes the knees give out as well and I fall. Steps are the worst for my knees. I also have tendonitis in both elbows and a flare-up causes me to drop things. On top of all of this, I have fibromyalgia, which is an incurable disease. Fibromyalgia causes any existing conditions and pains to hurt 10 times as much as they would normally hurt. Inflammation is an issue in all the areas I mentioned. I also have a bone spur in my neck which also causes chronic headaches and some herniated discs in my back. Living with severe pain on a daily basis. I also suffer from chronic anxiety. This whole situation of losing my job has had me suffering through anxiety attacks.

Because my job has shut down (about 3 weeks ago), I have no income. Although I have tried to pick up a few shifts here and there, it is just not the same steady income as before. My intention would be to get to Washington State where my son and grandbabies are. I do have a leased truck which I would use to get there, but that cross-country trip would be very expensive. I have no means to do so, no income, no savings, no credit cards. I am here alone, with no help. Trying to go through my stuff, throwing things out that I have worked for my whole life. Rent is due, electric is due. Car note will be due soon, then car insurance. I have none of it. Need bill money to give me the chance to pack up what I need to bring with me when I leave and need the funds to make that cross-country trip with my dog to get near my son. Any help would be such a blessing. Please consider donating what you can.